Recruiting

Robot-Assisted Surgery Plus Swallowing Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT07546045 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether intensive, personalized swallowing, speech, and voice therapy — combined with a specialized minimally invasive robotic surgery called extended Sistrunk approach (RESA) — can help head and neck cancer patients keep their ability to swallow. You would receive the robotic surgery as part of your standard care, then participate in 12 weeks of structured therapy with a speech therapist, plus daily exercises you do on your own. The study will track how well this approach works over two years.

Many head and neck cancer patients struggle with swallowing after surgery, which affects their quality of life and ability to eat normally. This trial aims to see whether combining minimally invasive robotic surgery with intensive rehabilitation can better preserve swallowing function and help patients recover more successfully.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are scheduled for robotic-assisted extended Sistrunk surgery for a primary head and neck cancer, a recurrent cancer, or a second primary cancer
you have a squamous cell carcinoma in specific areas of the throat, larynx (voice box), or surrounding structures
you are 18 years or older
you are able and willing to participate in daily swallowing and voice exercises for 12 weeks
you can commit to regular follow-up visits at the hospital for two years

You likely don't qualify if…

you are unable to give informed consent or understand the study procedures
you cannot attend regular therapy sessions and follow-up appointments as required
you have a severe allergy to iodine contrast media used in swallowing tests
you are unable to learn and remember the therapy exercises taught to you
you are currently enrolled in another research study involving an investigational drug or device

What participation looks like

You will have the robotic-assisted surgery as part of your regular cancer treatment. After surgery, you will participate in 12 weeks of intensive therapy — meeting regularly with a speech therapist and doing daily exercises at home tailored to your specific needs. During the two-year follow-up, you will have regular visits to the hospital where doctors will test your swallowing and voice, ask you to complete questionnaires about how you're doing, and perform imaging exams to monitor your recovery.

Robot-Assisted Surgery Plus Swallowing Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)